Performing sit-ups to rid stomach fat myth

MalcolmX

Well-Known Member
4 Jul 2011
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Spot reduction doesn't work. Exercising specific muscle groups in particular parts of the body doesn't burn fat from that area. Think about it... If spot reduction worked, all chronic gum chewers would have thin faces.

Fat is lost gradually from all over the body. Although sit-ups won't melt fat from your tummy they will help tighten the muscle under the fat, which is worthwhile.
 

gosu_smurf

Senior Member
7 Jun 2011
1,418
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fat seems to burn slowest at the tummy area for guys tho. and maybe the face fat - pretty much down to genetics i guess
 

MalcolmX

Well-Known Member
4 Jul 2011
362
95
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The only way to reduce body fat - barring the use of illicit substances - is to manipulate your caloric intake/output ratio so that you burn more calories than you consume. In other words, try cutting some of the junk food out of your diet, and do three to four cardio sessions every week. This will induce fat loss in areas all over the body. However, you will not lose fat from one specific area at a time.

Rather, depending on your genetic make-up, you will notice a general reduction of overall body fat that may be more pronounced in some places than others. Some people initially lose more fat in places other than their abs, so don't get discouraged if you see fat loss in parts of your body other than your stomach. Many women lose fat first in their hip/thigh region. So be patient and results will come.

As far as some special exercise that will get you a six pack, each abdominal exercise has its advantages and its drawbacks. When targeting the abs, be sure to develop a good burn through maintenance of proper form. Combine this with regular cardio and you'll be well on your way to a flatter, firmer stomach (though, because of the aforementioned reasons, a six pack might be tough to achieve).
 

PWiD

Well-Known Member
20 Jul 2011
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Your stomach is the last place you'll lose fat. But as for the spot reduction. Hmm. While for the general population it is quite a lie, spot reduction actually works to a certain degree. There's been research emphasised on this area, though there're still pretty much grey shades everywhere.

edit : ah yes I finally found the article I read some time ago. Here it is. http://www.t-nation.com/free_online_article/most_recent/spot_reduction_is_real_heres_how_to_do_it
Take everything you see on this website with a pinch of salt. Sometimes, there's almost too much theory going on.
 

xzibit

Member
15 Jun 2011
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Contrary to what the infomercials suggest there is no such thing as spot reduction. Fat is lost throughout the body in a pattern dependent upon genetics, sex (hormones), and age. Overall body fat must be reduced to lose fat in any particular area.

Although fat is lost or gained throughout the body it seems the first area to get fat, or the last area to become lean, is the midsection (in men and some women, especially after menopause) and hips and thighs (in women and few men). Sit-ups, crunches, leg-hip raises, leg raises, hip adduction, hip abduction, etc. will only exercise the muscles under the fat.
 

PickMeDown

New Member
31 Oct 2011
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For all the people trying to lose tummy fat - Don't do too many situps. Some extreme bodybuilders have rounded distorted abs instead of washboard ones. If your abs become like that, your fats will cover it and your stomach would actually LOOK fatter. That doesen't mean you should totally stop doing it though, situps can actually also burn a few calories here and there. If you do them regularly they could add up.
 

roxanne_101

New Member
8 Dec 2011
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It does help to build up the muscle in the stomach area. That way when the fat does shed, you have a nice little six pack forming. That's the best thing to do during weight loss, work your muscles.
 

altrouge

Member
19 Nov 2011
36
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Hmmm, how will it work then when you have a skinny body but your tummy doesn't seem to be going with the flow? i.e every part is pretty much skinny and all but your stomach isn't flat but instead bulging out or seems to be permanently bloated like this :